Definition of "ramble" in English

noun

1. A leisurely stroll; a recreational walk in the countryside.

2. A rambling; an instance of someone talking at length without direction.

3. (mining) A bed of shale over the seam of coal.

4. A section of woodland suitable for leisurely walking.

verb

1. To move about aimlessly, or on a winding course.

2. To walk for pleasure; to amble or saunter.

3. To lead the life of a vagabond or itinerant; to move about with no fixed place of address.

   • 1994, Richard Thompson, “Beeswing” We was drinking more in those days and tempers reached a pitch And like a fool I let her run with the rambling itch

4. (often with on, about, or both) To talk or write incessantly, unclearly, or incoherently, with many digressions.

   • Francine has a tendency to ramble when it gets to be late in the evening.
   • She often rambles about bees' behavior, both in the hive and in the field.
   • Usually I don't mind listening to her ramble on a bit; it can be soothing.
   • Last night she was rambling on about horticultural methods, which was so soothing that I nodded off.

5. To follow a winding path or course.

   • The river rambled through the mountains.